Asian Food Festival heats up The Curated Plate
One of the Sunshine Coast’s most anticipated food events is back on the menu this winter, with the Asian Food Festival at Spicers Tamarind Retreat returning to The Curated Plate - and this year’s chefs are going to really spice things up.
Set among the rainforest gardens of the Maleny retreat, the much-loved event will take on a refreshed format in 2026, inviting guests to explore the property on a guided food journey through Asian flavours, live cooking and entertainment.
The festival will be delivered as a single Saturday event this year on 1 August, creating an immersive afternoon experience where guests can wander the Tamarind gardens with a map in hand, discovering dishes, drinks and chefs along the way.
The event has become a standout in The Curated Plate program, bringing together leading Sunshine Coast chefs and restaurants for an afternoon of food and entertainment in the hinterland setting.
Who's Who of Chefs
Image: L to R - James Fraser of Riceboi, Tom Hitchcock of Spirit House, Dan Jarrett of Pocky, Alex Hall The Tamarind and Nathan Rumble from Honeysuckle Buderim providing a fresh take on a favourite event
New additions to the line-up include Honeysuckle Buderim joining the festival for the first time, alongside returning chef Dan Jarrett, who will showcase dishes from his new Maleny restaurant, Pocky.
Guests will also experience the culinary direction of Spicers Tamarind’s new Head Chef Alex Hall, working alongside guest chefs to create a broader tasting experience across the event.
Spirit House will be returning with Head Chef Tom Hitchcock and local favourite Rice Boi will also return with Head Chef James Fraser promising to bring more bold flavours to the table.
To add greater variety to the menu, each participating restaurant will centre their dishes around different meats, seafood and vegetables, resulting in a wider selection of dishes for guests to discover as they move through the event.
Culinary Director of The Curated Plate, Chef Peter Kuruvita, said the refreshed format would allow guests to experience both the food and the setting in a new way.
“This event has become a highlight of the festival because it celebrates the incredible Asian flavours that are part of the Sunshine Coast dining scene,” Mr Kuruvita said.
“By turning it into more of a culinary journey throughout the last Saturday of the festival, people can meet the chefs, taste a range of dishes and really immerse themselves in the experience.”
Eat, Drink, Relax
Alongside the food offering, drinks will once again play a central role in the festival atmosphere.
Hinterland distillery Twelve and a Half Acres will be serving G&Ts on the lawn, showcasing spirits made just down the road in the quaint village of Montville.
The popular champagne bar will also return, offering guests the chance to pair bubbles with their food selections, while oysters will still be available to purchase for those looking to indulge.
Alex Hall, Head Chef at The Tamarind, said the new format allowed the event to evolve while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere guests love.
“The Asian Food Festival has become a much-loved event for locals and visitors, and this year we wanted to refresh the experience while keeping the spirit of the event intact,” said Hall.
“Encouraging guests to explore the retreat and its gardens creates a more immersive afternoon - where the food, the chefs and the setting all come together.”
Tickets for the Asian Food Festival will be released as part of The Curated Plate’s early ticket release in April.
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Event details
Date: Saturday 1 August 2026
Time: 12-5pm
Location: Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Maleny
The Curated Plate is delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, Visit Sunshine Coast, and Tourism and Events Queensland, alongside industry and community collaborators.